Obaigbena cautions against fractured nation as Army seeks media collaboration

Founder of THISDAY Newspaper and Arise Television, Nduka Obaigbena, has charged the military to effectively collaborate with the media for national security.
In a keynote address at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat for the Third Quarter of 2024, with the theme, “The Media and the Military: Allies in Pursuit of National Security,” in Makurdi, Benue State, yesterday, the publisher commended the military for its untiring sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, noting that media/military collaboration would enhance military operations 

He emphasised that the media play a vital role in ensuring that the public is well informed and educated about the activities of government and its agencies and their responsibilities as good citizens.  Lagbaja said the partnership was essential for achieving national security goals and maintaining peace, harmony and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
  
The COAS explained that public education and enlightenment were essential for citizens to fully understand their roles in the whole-of-nation approach to addressing shared challenges.
  
His words: “In this regard, our strongest allies in ensuring national security are those who influence the minds of citizens – the media.
  
“Therefore, the theme for this event, “The Media and the Military: Allies in Pursuit of National Security,” aptly highlights the significant roles both the media and the Nigerian Army play in safeguarding national security.
 
“I believe the longstanding debate over whether the pen is mightier than the sword has been settled – the pen has triumphed, affirming its superiority.  He stressed that the Army remained committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and their civil liberties.